The Ultimate Shooter: Nomo Akisawa

Ultimate Shootouts is the brainchild of some of Vancouver’s finest photographers, namely Butter Studios, Pure White Studio (who is also a Vancity Vendor, I might add), and Stone Photo. They provide a supportive community for Vancouver photographers to network and learn from each other by holding multiple shootouts and workshops throughout the year. They held their 3rd Ultimate Shootout event in April and I am honoured to provide this feature as a prize to the Ultimate Shooter, as voted by their peers.

Meet Nomo Akisawa…

USV 3′s Ultimate Shooter is Nomo Akisawa. A fresh face in the Vancouver wedding industry, her business, Simply Sweet Photography by Nomo Akisawa, just shy of a year old! She describes herself as a hopeless romantic, and what better career to be in for someone like that? Photographing couples in love is what fuels her. Nomo’s favourite shots are those that aren’t expected… although she likes to have fun posing her subjects too, nothing beats the emotion portrayed in candid photography. She tries her best to capture those moments for all her couples. See the feature photo up above (the couple)? That photo was what won her the Ultimate Shooter honour.

A Few Words With Nomo…

Why did you join USV3? What did you think of that experience?
“I joined USV 3 because I had heard some great things about it through a group on Facebook. After checking out on their webpage and looking through some photo’s I thought I would give it a go and try it out. The registration opened up at 1pm, and I made sure I signed up within the minute Yes, I can get a little crazy sometimes.. but I wanted to make sure the spots didn’t fill up and have myself miss the chance. I wanted to add bridal shots to my portfolio as well as network with other wedding photographers. The day was everything I asked for and more. I was very grateful to have them as my teachers because I learned gained so much valuable information. I was also given the chance to meet a few extremely talented photographers. All thanks to Butter Studios, Pure White Studio, and Stone Photo.”

How does it feel to be voted Ultimate Shooter?
“First of all, I could not believe I won. I jumped up and down with joy.. literally.. then called my mom and had to share the news. Definitely one of the most exciting things that has happened to me as a photographer. I am beyond excited. Yes, I am like a child when I win things.. Ha ha. Feeling very blessed and grateful!”

What sets you apart from other wedding photographers?
“I have adapted my own style within my photography career. Best efforts are made to provide consistent quality, and have my brand recognized by my style. I strive to be unique and capture true emotion between the newlyweds and put 110% into each wedding I shoot. My goal is to have others view my photos and feel as if they were actually there for the moment again.”

What do you enjoy most about your job?
“I am presented with the chance to photograph a few of life’s most important milestones and capture then forever. Engagements, marriage, maternity, newborn and 1 year old birthdays, family, graduations, and then the cycle begins all over again. I get to make my clients feel beautiful. Within this business I get to meet the most amazing people ever, who are full of kind words and unbelievable support despite hardly knowing me. I could go on and on about what I enjoy most about the job. The truth is I would do this even if didn’t get paid!”

Would you ever do USV again?
“Yes! In fact I am already signed up for USV 4 and looking forward to it!”